by: michael framer
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Date: Fri, 28 May 2010 Time: 1:57 AM -
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Despite all of the technological leaps made in recent years, conference call services remain one of the most effective team collaboration tools available. Not only does a standard audio conference calling allows you to connect a diverse group of team members cost effectively, conference calling services have expanded to embrace today’s Web and video conferencing technologies, making virtual meetings a reality. Let’s take a look at the different ways you and your team can connect.
Article Source: DirectoryArticles.com
Standard Conference Calling
A standard audio conference call is one of the more traditional collaboration tools available. These calls are either toll free with the cost of the call covered by the host or regular “toll access” calls where each caller pays his own long distance rates incurred by the call. Depending on the makeup of the team and its purpose, you’ll want to evaluate which is best. For example, for an internal team scattered across the nation (or around the world), toll free conference calling makes the most sense. On the other hand, if your call will be composed of external vendors or suppliers bidding on a project, it may make more sense to let the participants pick up the cost of their individual connections to the conference call rather than covering the entire cost on your own.
An advantage of standard conference calling compared to email and online discussions is that participants can hear each other and interact. Nuances of speech are more easily interpreted compared to the written word. In addition, no equipment other than a phone is needed to connect.
Video Conference Calling
Video conference calling takes the standard phone call to the video level with both audio and video transmissions. Like an audio call, the ability to hear the other participants speaking to one another allows for stronger communications. With the addition of video, participants can pick up on non-verbal communications such as facial expressions and gestures. Video conference call services also help collaborators view each other as “real” people. Video conference calling requires video equipment and a way for each participant to view the video feed.
Web Conference Calling
Web conference calling adds yet another dimension to the mix. With a Web conference, audio is almost always involved and video sometimes used, depending on the systems used by participants. However, Web conference calls go beyond video conferencing in that file sharing and screen sharing becomes possible. Team members can view the same presentations, graphics, and charts during the conference. In addition, files can be distributed or even worked on during the event. All Web conference participants need a computer with Internet access and a compatible browser. Depending on the Web conference provider, a phone bridge using a standard conference call may also be involved.
So, what’s the best option of the three? It comes down to the purpose of the meeting as well as access to the specialized equipment. Do you need a quick weekly meeting to keep all team members informed of the team’s progress? Is it important to see each other via video, such as a “get acquainted” type of meeting? Do you need to share files or give a presentation? Do your team members have access to the equipment needed to connect? By understanding the nature of the meeting and the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of conference call services, you can best match the right type of call for your meeting.
Conference calling services can improve team collaboration and communication. You may need a mix of services that you’ll use periodically as needed. For example, you might hold standard conference calls most of the time with the occasional Web or video conference. No matter what mix of calling services is right for your team, using conferencing technologies is a cost-effective way to collaborate with a geographically diverse team.
AIT offers a variety of conference calling services including toll free and toll access plans, international conference calling plans, and pay-as-you conference calls.
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